Quantitative EEG (QEEG) evaluations make use of QEEG brainmapping to image and help define brain dysfunctions and injuries. Quantitative electroencephalograms, QEEGs, are different from standard EEGs in that they provide a map of the brain’s electrical output – the brainwaves – which are then compared with normative databases, allowing for a much finer level of analysis than simple EEGs. A QEEG helps to determine the frequencies of the disruptive brainwaves, the number of cycles per second they oscillate at, and their locations, so that we can see what is interfering with optimal brain function (see sample report). The resulting map of the brain with the patterns and frequencies of brainwaves, along with measures of how different areas of the brain are communicating with each other reveals important patterns that can indicate different forms of ADHD and help to predict how they will respond to medications; seizure disorders, patterns related to emotional dysregulation and impulse control, other patterns related to anxiety, depression, OCD, learning disabilities, trauma from strokes or accidents, etc.
The QEEG is then used to design state-of-the-art training for neurofeedback treatments based on the specific findings of how that individual’s brain is functioning and needs to change. Often slow brainwave activity in an area of the brain has to be trained down, while at other times or in other areas of the brain it may be fast wave activity that is dysregulated. The neurofeedback training takes these differences into account and teaches the brain what to do differently whether it is suppressing slow wave activity or amplifying fast wave activity or communicating better between areas of the brain through other forms of neurofeedback training.
The actual QEEG reading, where a cap with 20 sensors is fitted over the person’s hair to pick up and record the EEG, takes approximately 1.5-2 hours. In addition to Dr. Edwards’ review of the QEEG, the data is sent to a board certified neurologist who specializes in reading QEEGs for the final report.